Developers for the new Microsoft smartphone OS will now be able to get their own Windows Phone 7 devices without a signing up for a contract. Microsoft’s director of developer relations, Brandon Watson stated that the company has partnered with Zones.com to offer developers a Windows Phone 7 device without the need to sign up for a voice or data contract. The free deal from Microsoft will feature such smartphones as the HTC HD7, HTC Surround and the Samsung Focus. Each a $500 or more phone.